Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde Seeks Prior Approval For Proposals Issued In Her Name Amid Social Media Contract Row

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has implemented a new directive, mandating Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to seek her explicit approval before processing any proposals put forward in her name. This policy follows disputes surrounding the renovation plans for Tawde's residence at Byculla Zoo and the appointment of personnel to manage the Mayor's social media presence.

A proposed contract valued at Rs 25.12 lakh, which would have overseen the Mayor's social media management for a year, was scheduled to be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Thursday but was postponed due to the ongoing controversy. The contract awarded to M/s Runtime Solutions Pvt Ltd for managing social media for the Mayor's office between August 1, 2026, and July 31, 2027, was criticized for not adhering to a formal tendering process.

During a General Body Meeting on Friday, BJP corporator Preeti Satam advocated for the appointment of an assistant commissioner to head the Public Relations department in response to concerns about the Mayor's image. Congress leader Ashraf Azmi questioned why the Standing Committee had not considered the social media proposal, suggesting that transparency could have clarified the circumstances surrounding its proposal.

Opposition leader Kishori Pednekar countered by accusing Tawde of being manipulated through her associate, Preeti Satam. Tawde subsequently informed the Municipal Commissioner that any future proposal utilizing her name without her consent would not be accepted.